bserver O YOU. YOUR NEIGHBORS. YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD.
NOVEMBER 2014
WHO GOES THERE?
HOLIDAY MEALS
Meet George Fortuna, the first male to chair the Halifax Art Festival. PAGE 7
A group of residents is gathering momentum to take the holidays to those in need. PAGE 5
A message from the
PRESIDENT + OF BUDGETS AND OTHER DRAMA You have all received from me a little more than a month ago the proposed budget and assessment for 2015. The assessment totaling $1,140 per year per lot represented no increase in assessment over 2014. The board passed this budget unanimously. I wanted to report to you that the voting members rejected this assessment in a very close vote. As a result of this vote, the 2014 budget will remain in effect until the board can prepare a new budget and the voting members approve the assessment. For now, your assessment continues to be $285 per quarter. (For more on the budget, see the story on this page.)
ENTER HERE
A grant may be available to improve U.S. 1 entrance — for a price. PAGE 14
may the faucet be with you By Jacque Estes | Staff Writer
County addresses concerns about quality, cost of water Flagler County is currently in charge of day-to-day operations of the utility, but that could change.
A
fter more than a month of dry weather, rain fell from the sky as residents of Plantation Bay poured into Club de Bonmont in search of answers to water woes of a different kind — the water coming out of their home faucets. The saga began in February 2013 when the Flagler County Board of County Commissioners voted 4-1 to enter into an interlocal agreement with the city of Bunnell and take over the Plantation Bay water facility, paying $5.5 million for a system they knew had not been maintained to a high quality.
One resident questioned why the commission paid so much for a facility with so many problems. Flagler County Administrator Craig Coffey explained that, had the county not stepped in, there was concern the residents could find themselves with no water. Currently, the county has taken charge of replacing nearly every component of the aging system. The city is in charge of day-today operations and billing, but that is about to change. “We are looking at changing our relationship with Bunnell to a lot more input and
having it all under the county,” Coffey said. “We want to try and do a better job of communication.” When asked when the transition might occur, Coffey and County Commissioner Nate McLaughlin both said they would like to see the transfer within the next few weeks.
Communication breakdown?
Communication, or rather lack of communication, was a hot topic with residents
SEE WATER / PAGE 4
EASEL DOES IT
Management contract
A main area of contention was the unanimously adopted plan by the board to terminate our current management contract and bring property management in-house in conjunction with the Westlake at Plantation Bay Property Owners Association. We will share staff and the costs. Each master association would maintain its independence. The management staff would report to both master associations. Of course the associations are separate corpora-
Professional painter Karen Ann Patton displayed her fine art during the Music in the Park festival. For a story and more photos, see Page 12. Photo by Jacque Estes
SEE PRESIDENT / PAGE 2
BUDGET Maria Peters | Contributing Writer
Lot assessment revisited Quarterly fees remain the same, as 2015 budget gets thrown out. On Nov. 3, voting members of the Plantation Bay Community Association knocked down the proposed 2015 assessment by a vote of 793 to 685 despite the fact that the figures were $285 per quarter per lot or $1,140 per year — the same as 2014. Grumblings were over the 2015 budget’s line items and continued spending. With this defeat, the new assessment will revert back to this year’s figures and therefore remain unchanged. The proposed budget for 2015 is scrapped
and the old budget will remain until another 2015 budget is prepared and presented again to the Board and then voting members for approval. President Kathy Pounds further explained, “The assessments go forward and the expenses parameters of 2014 go forward until a new budget is developed. However, the board may adjust 2014 expenses amounts with respect to particular line items depending upon 2015 needs. So if the full amount in landscaping for 2014 is not
needed for 2015, that money may be allocated elsewhere.” On Dec. 8, the voting members from each district will elect new board members with terms expiring for Districts 2, 3, 4, and 5. With this election, there will be some new faces working on a newer version of the budget. The 2015 budget was approved unanimously by the Board of Directors on Sept. 29.
SEE BUDGET / PAGE 4
Vol. 1, No. 1
2
PLANTATION BAY OBSERVER
NOVEMBER 2014
PRESIDENT / FROM PAGE 1
BOARD NOTES unanimous By Maria Peters | Contributing Writer
Current CC&Rs preserved Attorney worked on the project for two years. At a special meeting of the Plantation Bay Community Association Board of Directors on Nov. 10, a unanimous vote was made to keep the current covenants, conditions and restrictions, or CC&Rs, and amendments in compliance; a notice of preservation will be made to Flagler and Volusia counties. “The documents that are in existence are not changed, and the board approved all as it exists today,” said Director Russ Reinke. The vote preserves the existing documents, which expire after 30 years, and avoids a break of fiduciary duties. “Revitalization after expiration would have meant a bigger expense,” said attorney Elizabeth A. LanhamPatrie, of Becker and Pollakoff, who worked on the project for two years. Any change in language will be made at a future date.
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tions with their own documents, rules and regulations and procedures. This is no different from hiring a management company that manages numerous associations, except for the fact that the staff would be our own employees. Why would we want to do that? Having our own employees gives us the opportunity to hire the best available candidates at market rates and the ability to grow our staff as needs increase and growth continues in the community at large. This would also ensure that we would have sufficient staff trained in all areas of the operation so that we would never again have to go back to the drawing board with new people who could require as much as a two-year learning curve. It is our goal to have staff members be trained sufficiently to move up and assume additional responsibility as our needs grow. The PBCA and Westlake want to offer residents a one-stop shop for all their management needs here on property. Let’s review the numbers. In 2007, the second year following turnover of the association to resident control, management costs were $101,136 or $7 per lot per month. In the proposed budget for 2015, our net management costs were projected to be $143,493, an increase of $42,357 or 42%. How do management costs increase? Management fees were invoiced on a per-unit basis, and since 2007, the per-unit charge has increased by 21%. Since the number of lots also factors into the equation, the number of billable lots has increased by 14%. Had the management company been retained, our 2015 costs would have been $140,658. So our management plan will cost $2,835 more, and we will develop a firm foundation for moving forward. The plan also includes a modest contribution to health insurance for all salaried exempt professionals
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working on management and security staff, a policy decision that makes us competitive in the market. The contribution to insurance for management staff was included in the 2015 management costs. This plan caused a meltdown.
Security costs
The second area of angry contention was security costs. In 2007, total security costs (excluding the famous alarm contract which has since gone away), were $521,936. Budget costs for 2015 are $563,478. This is an increase in costs of $41,542, or 8% over this eight-year period. Let’s look at security more closely. Payroll costs in 2007 were $396,201. In the proposed budget for 2015, the payroll is projected to be $372,677, or a decrease of 6% from 2007. There are reasons for that decrease. We entered the housing market collapse during that time period, and we stopped staffing the construction entrance. Fewer guards were on staff due to dramatically reduced building, etc. But over the last couple of years, activity has picked up, and we have needed to staff up. Obviously we are not up to 2007 levels yet, but we will be soon. There also will be another entrance to Plantation Bay in the future. There was much angst and anxiety over recent increases in payroll figures and other security costs. Our payroll figures allow for sufficient salary increases for our security staff. We currently have 13 hourly employees who earn on average $9.63 per hour. Our highest paid hourly employee has worked here 12 years, and earns $11 per hour. The cost of hiring a new employee has risen over the last couple of years due to market forces. Doesn’t it make sense to reward those working for us for several years with raises? The security staff position is an ideal job for an individual without a college degree looking for decent full time employment. Is there anything wrong with set-
INJURED?
ting a goal of paying our full-time loyal employees a living wage rather than having a revolving door of employees coming and going? Since 2007, the increases in the security budget have largely been due to the following items: 1) the introduction of the Capsure gate access system with an annual licensing fee of $13,000; 2) an increase of $13,000 in the office expense category due to the gate access system and the addition of holiday decorations of the guardhouses; 3) an increase of $9,000 in utilities due to the correction of initial under reporting of utilities related to security; 4) the inclusion of $20,000 on the income statement to show depreciation.
Prestwick
Since turnover, the association has annexed five sections of Prestwick. The association has assumed responsibility for numerous retention ponds and storm water infrastructure, added to its reserve study $385,000 worth of roads, light poles and signs, and took over maintenance of numerous common areas previously not maintained by the association. The overall grounds maintenance budget has increased since 2007 approximately 42%. These increases are due to the expansion of property maintained, the addition of tree pruning, tree removal and tree replacement to our budget, a 417% increase in the budget for storm water system repairs due to the aging infrastructure, a 20% increase in lake maintenance charges, and repair and restoration of aging and failing landscaping around the community. The board has done an excellent job in managing the association’s resources though this time period. It has been our goal to provide services and maintain common property up to the standards expected by residents of an upscale community. Kathy Pounds President
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PLANTATION BAY OBSERVER NOVEMBER 2014
COMMUNITY EMERGENCY RESPONSE TEAM coordination efforts By Jaque Estes | Staff Writer
Two counties, one fire response Last July, a home burned down, but the home was not in Plantation Bay as many may believe. It was in a neighboring development with a different emergency response system. Plantation Bay straddles Volusia and Flagler counties, but when emergency help is needed, Fire Station 16 on Old Dixie Highway responds. The fire station on the east side of Interstate 95 is in Volusia County and staffed by Flagler County through an interlocal agreement. “For Plantation Bay, we have the best of both worlds. Our response time is a matter of minutes,” said Ross Hendrix, the liaison officer for Plantation Bay’s Community Emergency Response Team. The station that serves all of Plantation Bay includes a Flagler County fire engine and an attack truck used for brush fires. A 911 call from Plantation Bay will be received by the emergency dispatch office in Bunnell and Station 16 will be dispatched. The station responds to all medical emergencies and house fires. “In the past 10 years there have been two house fires in that area, and both were in Halifax Plantation,” said Flagler County Fire Chief Don Petito. “We have only had brush fires in Plantation Bay.” Emergency vehicles are not stopped at the entrance gate. “Our gate security is trained. When they see the trucks coming, the gates are opened,” Hendrix said. “(Firefighters) often do runs through the development so they are familiar with the roads and aware of anything we are doing with the roads. These guys practice a lot. They know our neighborhoods really well.” Volusia and Flagler counties respond to medical emergencies that require transport to a hospital depending on which county the patient is located in. As with all emergencies, the first fire station to respond would be Station 16 and the paramedics would assess and stabilize the patient. If transport to a
Ross Hendrix is the liaison officer at Station 16 for Plantation Bay’s Community Emergency Response Team. hospital is required, the appropriate ambulance service would be dispatched. Ambulance response for the people in Flagler County would come from the Flagler County Airport on State Road 100. Those who live on the Volusia County side of Plantation Bay would be transported by Volusia County EVAC. Patients are transported to one of the three hospitals: Flagler Memorial, Florida Hospital Memorial Medical Center or Halifax Hospital. The hospital depends on which county responds and the nature of the medical emergency. Halifax Hospital is the nearest hospital with a
trauma unit, and any emergencies requiring helicopter transport would be taken there. Larger scale emergencies or disasters would activate CERT, a team of 38 volunteers trained and supported by Flagler County Emergency Management, and could involve St. Johns County, which also has reciprocal agreements with Volusia and Flagler. Petito explained some of the issues dispatch offices have to deal with when 911 calls are made. “Cell phones are not hooked up to the geopositioning, so dispatch cannot tell
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where you are,” he said. “That creates a delay when they cannot tell where you are.” Land lines are always the best phones to use when making 911 calls, although some companies like Magic Jack do not provide location information. If the only phone available is a cell phone, Petito said it is imperative to give the dispatch operator the address of the emergency, including city and state, immediately. “In the Halifax Plantation fire, many of the 911 calls were coming from phones as far away as Tampa,” he said.
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PLANTATION BAY OBSERVER
NOVEMBER 2014
BUDGET / FROM PAGE 1 However, three members of the board, who are also voting members from their districts, voted against the assessment after first approving it. Russ Reinke, one of the directors on the board who motioned for the 2014 budget’s approval said he was voting “No” on the assessment as a voting member for the Kingsley Association. “I got the budget just two weeks before I was supposed to come to the meeting,” he said. “I did vote for this budget because if I would have made objections at the time, it would have fell on deaf ears. … I figure it would open up for discussion now with the Voting Committee.” He added: “We are building up money and spending it. The reason our assessment doesn’t go up is because we have more houses. Several of us have been asking for more maintenance, more beautification. We don’t find money for the areas that we need.” Plantation Point Condominium Association voting member Phil Peters said, “The board is taking more money in and is determined they are going to spend it all rather than give us a reduction in assessments.” Projected income jumps from $1,678,985 by the end of 2014 to a proposed income of $1,800,047 for 2015. Peters added: “Since 2011, total expenses are up 21%, security up 30% and administrative costs up 47%.” Pounds, board president, said: “We ought to provide services to residences that they want. Let’s be clear: The community is growing and has changed.” While voting members were
waiting their turns to be heard, on the board agreed with adding Pounds commented: “While it is health insurance.” good to have comments during Another big source of contenthe voting membership meeting, tion was the board’s decision to the input would be appreciated enter into a joint management more during the budget process. agreement with Westlake at PlanIf you have areas where you’d like tation Bay Property Owners Assoto increase or decrease spending, ciation. we appreciate your comments “The management operation then.” will provide R e i n k e all residents in asked, “Who Plantation Bay is the budget with complete committee staffing by our and how is it own employees constructed? here on propI understand erty to manage it doesn’t the associations even include and execute the the treasurer policies and of the board!” procedures of M a r t y both boards,” Ga r b a r i n o, Pounds said in board treaa letter to the Phil Peters, Voting Member surer, said he voting memunderstands bers. It will be a that three cost-sharing arboard memrangement. bers were asked to study and Pounds stressed at the meeting bring about the budget process. that, “PBCA will not be managing “We felt betrayed on why there Westlake, we will be managing had to be a certain amount of staff.” secrecy. As the treasurer, I didn’t Linda Young asked, “Why didn’t even know about it,” he said. we get bids before looking at doResident Linda Young said, “OK, ing it ourselves? Somehow the we all agree spending is about the bidding process got truncated. I same, but we are not happy with am also concerned about adding line items in the budget.” too many employees.” Phil Peters agreed. “Why didn’t Among the new items to the proposed budget was the offering we go out and get other quotes? of insurance benefits to full-time he said. Pounds responded that she did employees. This proposed cost was $8,000 for security employ- get a quote from just one manees and more for future adminis- agement company that responded, and the quote was too high. trative staffing. As it now stands, the proposals Reinke said, “Security salary is going up significantly and with for both health insurance benthe proposal to add more benefits efits and Westlake management are both on hold until and if the — I can’t see that.” Garbarino chimed in, “I want new Board of Directors decides to you all to know that not everyone make them a part of a new budget.
They are going to spend it all rather than give us a reduction in assessments.
WATER / FROM PAGE 1 as they shared stories about trying to contact the city about when meters were read, billing errors, and concerns about quality. The only representative who attended the meeting from the city of Bunnell was Utilities Director Bill Green, who answered general and individual questions and made sure the residents had his phone (586-5159) and email (bgreen@bunnellcity.us). “We never anticipated we would have it all done in one year,” Coffey said, explaining that projections are three to five years but the county, like the residents, would like to have it completed as soon as possible.
Quality of water
Water quality and whether it is safe to drink were of concern. Residents who are snowbirds questioned why dirt came out of the faucet when they first used them upon returning to the community. “They are doing aggressive flushing of the system and moving a lot of the water,” Green said. “If you are gone and it doesn’t get flushed out, it builds up.” Green told the part-time residents whose systems are dormant for any period of time to flush and shut off the hot water heater, remove strainers from all of the interior faucets and run the water 15-20 minutes to clean out the system when they return. “The odor and bacteria is because the water is stagnant for so long,” he said.
Those concerned about the quality of their water were told they could make an appointment to have the water checked at their homes. Green did emphasize the quality was well within the EPA guidelines and the issues were aesthetic. “The water quality is tested all of the time,” Coffey said. “It is not a threat but a different color.” Currently three of the four wells are not working and if they cannot be rehabilitated Coffey said the county would need to sink new wells.
Cost of water
Water bills have increased 46% as initially planned when the county began rebuilding the system. In October, an additional 5% increase went into effect, again as part of the agreed plan. Residents were assured that all of the money coming from the Plantation Bay water was staying within their community exclusively. The community of 1,500 is expected to build out to 3,000 to 4,500 additional homes on the Flagler side. The new homes include an impact fee, something initial homeowners were not charged. “Growth has to cover itself and that’s what an impact fee is for,” Coffey said. When the county assumes the administrative roles, McLaughlin told the residents to expect more communication. “We are going to try and have these town meetings every six months and email information out to you before the meetings,” he said.
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PLANTATION BAY OBSERVER NOVEMBER 2014
angel tree brings smiles to families By Jaque Estes | Staff Writer
Helping others is its own reward Local residents share their good fortune so that families can enjoy dinner on Thanksgiving, Christmas and Easter. The Tuesday before Thanksgiving, seven women will be shopping for the traditional family dinner. Not for their family, but for families they barely know. The families are selected by a guidance counselor at Bunnell Elementary school. This year, the three families have a total of 12 children, ranging from kindergarten to 10th grade. As the husbands drink coffee and wait patiently for their wives, Susan Bayley, Carol Maresca, Carol Hafner, Velva Hovey, Anita Gentile, Valerie Nicholson and Cheryl Daniels push carts through the aisles of the local Publix filling the carts with everything a family needs to put Thanksgiving dinner on their table. “The Publix manager sets us up with our own cashier, and, cart by cart by family, we check out,” Daniels said. “On the Tuesday before Thanksgiving, we will deliver complete dinners of turkey and all the trimmings and all of us will meet each family.” One month later, the same families will open their doors to the same ladies and their husbands, who will be laden with a complete Christmas dinner of ham and trimmings and, of course, presents bought and wrapped by local residents. An Angel Tree is decorated with information about each of the children and placed at Club
Cheryl Daniels, chair of the CDB Golf Group Community Outreach
Photos by Jacque Estes
The Club de Bonmont Golf Group Community Outreach members pose with their husbands. Back row, from left: Carol Maresca, Fred Hovey, Bryan Hovey and Clifton Daniels; front row: Susan Bayley, Velva Hovey, Cheryl Daniels, Carol Hafner, Valerie Nicholson, and Vonetta Daniel. de Bonmont with their clothing and shoe sizes and what toy they would like to open Christmas day. All residents have to do is decide who to shop for. “Each child gets three wishes along with a brand new bicycle for those that want bikes,” Daniels said. The food provided for the holi-
day meal will put food on the table past the holiday dinner. Many residents also supplement the group’s dinner shopping with additional nonperishable food donations. “There is really enough food for a month of dinners when we are done,” Daniels said. The finally holiday is Easter,
when the group provides families with dinner and Easter baskets. “This is a great community — so giving,” Daniels said. “They haven’t lost the sight of what a privilege it is to be able to live in a community like this. They are residents who appreciate their lives in Plantation Bay and share with those struggling.”
CORRECTION FROM THE SEPTEMBER EDITION: Plantation Bay Community Outreach and the Club de Bonmont Women’s Golf Association both have Angel Trees. The PBCO tree is at the Prestwick Club House and not CDB as stated. PBCO provides gifts for more than 40 children at Christmas. They do not provide holiday dinners.
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Gridlock at security gate on U.S. 1. Also, a member of the Security Committee resigns. The Plantation Bay Community Association Board of Directors in its meeting on Oct. 27, voted to accept a payment plan from a delinquent homeowner for late assessments. Also discussed was gridlock caused by oversized trucks at the Plantation Bay U.S. 1 entrance that have some residents concerned. In other business, Bob McCarthy, of the Security Committee, the lone citizen representative, turned in his resignation letter.
does not meet the new payment schedule and is 15 days late, he will be turned over to a PBCO attorney who will take all steps necessary to pursue collections, including possible judgment. At that point, interest will also be levied. Board member Bob Anderson also asked for a list to be presented to the board including how many homeowners are delinquent and the total amount owed the association.
Payment plan
US 1 gate
A homeowner who had faced foreclosure twice and is in arrears for over $7000 in non-payment of assessments, will have an opportunity to play catch-up with a quarterly payment plan of $200 in addition to regular assessment payments as approved by the board. If the resident, who was not identified,
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Residents have been complaining to the Security Committee about traffic being backed up at the U.S. 1 entrance when large trucks — too tall for clearance in the visitor’s lane — use the residence lane. On a few occasions, trucks over 10 feet, 6 inches have waited in the residence lane while passing a security check. This caused a gridlock which left residents blocked from entertaining Plantation Bay. Al Cappalli, head of the Security Committee, said he spoke to 62 residents who complained about the wait. The gripes included the attitude of the person on duty and residents having to wait while their license was checked despite the fact they have transponders. While it was mentioned that these situation don’t occur that often, the board left it to the discretion of the guard on
duty to use good judgment when moving traffic along. Donna Velardi, director of security said, “We have a responsibility on how we admit people into Plantation Bay. We just can’t let people through. We even have some people that have transponders that are still active and they are no longer residents.” Board President Kathy Pounds remarked, “We have to make sure we make a claim that we are not here to protect people’s safety. It is not our responsibility, because we cannot prevent everyone from getting in here that doesn’t belong.”
McCarthy resigns
Bob McCarthy turned in his resignation from the Security Committee. He was the only person from the community outside of the board who served on it. He said, “I don’t feel the committee needs me. You have three members from the board on, and that is all you need.” Treasurer Marty Garbarino said, “I think we need people from the community and not just board members on the committee.” McCarthy said he was not included in many of the Security Committee meetings. Pounds said, “If it comes to meetings that involve personnel information, it is for board members only.”
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PLANTATION BAY OBSERVER NOVEMBER 2014
MAJOR ART EVENT By Jaque Estes | Staff Writer
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How Do You Know That Having A Strong Brand In Real Estate Is Important? Photos by Jacque Estes
George Fortuna is an active member in and outside the Plantation Bay Community.
Fortuna: First male chair of Halifax Art Festival Plantation Bay teamwork ensured the success of the 52nd Halifax Art Festival. Volunteers work hundreds of hours to bring two-day ‘art museum’ to the streets of Daytona Beach. The talents of Plantation Bay residents often reach far outside the gated community. Such was the case with George Fortuna, the chairman for the 52nd-annual Halifax Art Festival held the first weekend of November. Fortuna made local history by being the first man to chair the event. A relaxed and laid-back individual, Fortuna is quick with a joke. When asked how he became the first male chair he responded, “There were five guys standing in line and the other four stepped back.” In reality, he had been active in past festivals and stepped up to the position when he learned there was a need. “I’ve served on the Guild of the MOAS (Museum of Arts and Sciences) and on several committees,” he said.
Stellar committees
He is quick to give credit to the people in the 15-20 committees involved in the production of the two-day event, many also Plantation Bay residents. “Behind every great leader is a great team, and all of the committee people involved in the Halifax Art Festival are fantastic,” he said. “It takes 70 volunteers to make this event happen, 20 committee and 50 who work the show.” Planning for the event began in February, obtaining the necessary permits to close the streets, food and alcohol permits and then acquiring storefronts for the different venues. “We have three venues — the student art, the judges room and the artist reception,” he said. “We get quite a lot of help from the DDA (Downtown Development Authority); they get us in contact with potential store front donors. This year Dr.
Whaba Whaba donated a storefront on the corner of Magnolia and Beach that is perfect accommodation for the student art and the judges room.” Cinimetique at Magnolia and Orange provided the third area for the artist reception. The DDA donated the grand prize of $5,000. He said the Halifax Art Festival is the second oldest in the state. When asked who the oldest was he admitted he didn’t know which prompted another quip: “It doesn’t matter, we will never catch up.”
Show deemed a success
Rain or shine, the show goes on, and this year the participants had to batten down their booths to protect their art from high winds. “Nothing stops this show. It’s rain or shine,” Fortuna said. “The key more than anything is the people, but I can’t get anyone to be in charge of the weather committee.”
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From the Baltimore, Maryland, area, Fortuna admits he was hesitant to move to Florida. “I didn’t think I would like it so much.” He admits he still misses the changing seasons and of all things, shoveling snow. “I used to shovel down the sidewalk in front of everyone’s houses,” he recalled. Fortuna may be retired but he is not idle. He also manages the softball league that plays at the Flagler County Fairgrounds on County Road 13. “I like to organize things,” he said. “I retired from Westinghouse NorthrupGrumman, and I am not somebody that likes to just sit around.”
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8
PLANTATION BAY OBSERVER
NOVEMBER 2014
9
PLANTATION BAY OBSERVER NOVEMBER 2014
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18,871
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10
PLANTATION BAY OBSERVER
NOVEMBER 2014
Plantation Bay Amenities meet the chefs at club de bonmont By Jaque Estes | Staff Writer
Look who’s coming to dinner ... The elevated entrance to the Club de Bonmont dining room sets the mood for the fine dining that awaits. Diners are greeted at the top of a staircase that leads down to the two-tier, glassed dining room overlooking Lake de Bonmont. Behind the scenes, Executive Chef Robert Fortier and Sous Chef David Lani oversee a small staff to create a versatile and delicious dining experience. Fortier, a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, New York, settled in as executive chef six years ago after working as a chef and sous chef in hotels from New England to the Florida Keys. “I was the sous chef at Pier House in Key West in the early ’90s,” Fortier said. Lani also hails from New York and attended Johnson & Wales University and honed his skills at country clubs and hotels in New York and Florida. “I moved to Palm Coast in 2002, and a few months later I was working at Hammock Dunes. That’s where I met David and Maria Tuohy,” Fortier said. “Six years ago, I was looking for a position, and Maria was looking for an executive chef, so it all worked out.” Lani grew up in Long Island, New York, and like many decided to move to the Sunshine State after coming down on vacation. “I picked up a copy of Executive Golf and started putting resumes out,” he said. Creativity is a must, according to Fortier. “We see the club members often so we
Jacque Estes
Executive Chef Robert Fortier and Sous Chef David Lani are the masters in the kitchen at Club de Bonmont and the Prestwick Clubhouse. have to be creative. We keep everything fresh, updated and exciting,” Fortier said. To achieve this variety, the two change the dinner menu at least three times a year, taking into account specialties like chili, more popular in the winter than summer, and special requests including vegetarian and gluten-free. “Special requests are accepted, but we can do more if we know in advance,” Fortier said. The two work together to find and de-
velop new menu items for the diners to enjoy. “Dave and I bounce ideas off each other,” he said. “We go on the Internet for ideas. The Internet is replacing cookbooks. I haven’t bought a cookbook in years.” Finding some of the ingredients can be a challenge, but often the Internet is also where they go for exotic spices and ingredients. “We wanted pumpkin seeds and
couldn’t find any in bulk in the area, so we ordered from Amazon,” Fortier said. Both oversee and cook at Club de Bonmont and the Prestwick Clubhouse. Club de Bonmont is popular for special events. It is not necessary to live in the community to use the facility for a special event, but meals are only for members and their guests. “We see more of the banquet, wedding and special events held at CDB where we have more space,” Fortier said. “We do a lot of outside parties at Christmas.” The Prestwick Clubhouse is the place to go for Shrimp Night on Fridays. Fortier said it is not uncommon for the staff to serve up to 140 meals in three hours. “We are almost always sold out,” Fortier said. Club de Bonmont hosts special nights with dinner and a show that have included comedy, karaoke and jazz nights. Thanksgiving is the busiest day of the year, with more than 400 dinners served in five hours. This event was sold out for this year. Two upcoming events that are popular are New Year’s Eve and Valentine’s Day. A Black Tie New Year’s Eve dinner features a special menu and champagne to toast in 2015. Valentine’s Day will feature a special sweetheart dinner featuring chocolate. Reservations are a must for special events and recommended for dinner. Restaurant hours and menu can be found at plantationbaygolf.com.
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PLANTATION BAY OBSERVER
NOVEMBER 2014
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PLANTATION BAY OBSERVER
NOVEMBER 2014
Music in the Park EAT, DANCE AND BE MERRY By Jaque Estes | Staff Writer
Neighborhood party brightens overcast day The sky may have been overcast, but spirits were bright at the Music in the Park in the Prestwick section of Plantation Bay. The time may have seemed odd to some, 3 p.m. Sunday afternoon. “This is a golfing community so we work around that,” said Lisa Egle, marketing manager for ICI Homes. “Then there are those who work and go to church.” Emphasizing the golfing community focus, the most popular mode of transportation was golf carts. Clubs in the back indicated the golfers who came to the event directly from the links; others, like Dede Brown and her cocker spaniels, Sparkle and Winston, sat in their golf cart for the best seat in the house to watch the activity. In the cart next to Brown were Gary and Markie Lane and their rescue pup, Davey. The three had made the rounds earlier, wheeling Davey around in his very own stroller. When the couple moved to Plantation Bay in 1999, they were both working; now they enjoy retirement and events like the Music in the Park. “We are people watching,” Markie Lane said. “Look at all of the different ages dancing — that’s great.” Free tables were provided for those like Sallie Gillies and Erika Bedor to display and sell their arts and crafts. Gillies spent much of her time untangling a knot of chains so she could sell the necklaces she had brought.
Photos by Jacque Estes
Residents of all ages danced to the music of the live band. “Anyone who knows me won’t be surprised I am doing this,” she laughed. “It’s nice that the developer does this for
the community two times a year. There’s something for everyone, the kids and the band.”
Professional local painter Karen Ann Patton displayed some of her fine artwork ready to sell if anyone was interested in
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PLANTATION BAY OBSERVER NOVEMBER 2014
purchasing an early Christmas gift. Patton teaches and organizes the March Art Show in the community. A festival isn’t complete without food and drink, which was covered by free loaded hotdogs and ice cream provided by Big Scoop Ice Cream. Lines for both were steady. Evan Whiting, 2 months old, was undoubtedly the youngest attending the event. He was visiting his grandparents, Suzanne and Craig Wyatt, who moved to Plantation Bay from Pennsylvania a few months ago. “We decided to go south. Our
son and his wife live here (Palm Coast) with Evan and their 3-year-old daughter Madeline,” Suzanne Wyatt said. “We love it here the people are so friendly and there is so much to do. We are almost overwhelmed there is so much to do.” When he’s a few years older, Evan will no doubt join the children making joyful noise as they jumped and slid on the oversized inflatable toys to the side of the stage. “This is for them to come out and enjoy themselves, meet other residents, just a social event,” said Egle. “ICI picks up the cost.”
Sallie Gillies untangles a knot of chains on necklaces she hoped to sell at the event.
A popular line was for the free ice cream at Big Scoop Ice Cream. Erika Boder highlights a craft she has enjoyed since she was a teen, crocheting baby items and kitchen scrubbies.
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Dede Brown and her cocker spaniels, Sparkle and Winston, enjoy watching the activity from the comfort of their golf cart.
14
PLANTATION BAY OBSERVER
NOVEMBER 2014
TREE LADY By Maria Peters | Contributing Writer
Grant of $500,000 could improve landscaping near U.S. 1 entrance, but who will pay to maintain it? Board reps meet with Flagler County officials to discuss U.S. 1 improvements; pitch to be made for mainentance agreement. Jane Gentile-Youd is at it again. On Nov. 10, a meeting was arranged between Flagler County Public Works Director and County Engineer Kifah “Faith” Alkhatib, Plantation Bay Community Association representatives Russ Reinke and Joan Beck and Gentile-Youd. The purpose was to find out about beautification funding that is available for U.S. 1 — the gateway to one of Plantation Bay’s entrances. Gentile-Youd approached Alkhatib and found out that $500,000 in Department of Transportation funding can be had at this time for beautification in an agreement with Flagler County if the Plantation Bay Community Association votes “yes” to future maintenance of the area and if all other criteria are met and passed within the county and federal requirements. When Gentile-Youd moved to Plantation Bay in 2002, she initiated and secured $200,000 in government funding for trees and shrubs outside of Plantation Bay’s other exit, which lies on Old Dixie Highway. She said she was horrified by the appearance outside of the community and within just two months after relocating here she began work on securing funding for improvements. “There weren’t even guardrails or reflectors on the bridge,” she said. “I took care of those problems and even adopted the road in 2005.” Gentile-Youd has a passion for beautification that began when she lived in MIami-Dade County and was honored there for 25 years of volunteer service in the area of beautification.
Courtesy photo by Jimmy Terry
Jane Gentile-Youd, “The Tree Lady” The title, “Tree Lady,” followed her to Plantation Bay. “I believe beautification is important to our quality of life and necessary to protect the value of our community. I think it is just disgusting the way the road looks now,” the resident and real estate agent of 35 years said. When Gentile-Youd first presented her
findings to the board in discussion, Reinke said: “I like the concept. Let’s see what it is all about.” Kathy Pounds, president of the PBCA Board of Directors remarked: “I’m not opposed to what they may do on the highway, but I can’t see using our residents’ money to maintain someone else’s property.” Reinke, Beck and Marty Garbarino
(who was unable to attend) agreed to meet with Gentile-Youd and Alkhatib. Reinke said he will now take to the board the next steps to try move the project ahead. These include defining the project’s limitations and maintenance factors, which will be determined by the size of the area they want to commit to and the selection of plants, shrubs and minimum allotted trees on the busy highway. Two options kicked around include improving the area from the Volusia border in the south and north to the Eagle Rock subdivision or maintaining just 770 feet north and 770 feet south of the Plantation Bay Entrance. In actuality, the project could be extended all the way to the Palm Coast line, but someone has to maintain it. “I think the U.S. 1 corridor looks like garbage,” Beck said. “I think we can keep the costs down by choosing maintenance-low or maintenance-free landscaping,” she said Alkhatib reminded them if they wanted to see the project move ahead, not to delay. “While the money is there now, it comes and goes,” she warned. “I will study it, and if it’s a good project, we’ll move it forward in the system, “ she said. Gentile-Youd stated: “The homeowners sssociation and I also believe their landscaping contractor should have input as to the selection of low-maintenance plants that will be placed. It all depends on what fits the requirements. I just can’t see giving up $500,000. Look, if we don’t use it, someone else will.”
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PLANTATION BAY OBSERVER NOVEMBER 2014
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Online network keeps neighbors in touch 386 - 585 - 2904
Nextdoor’s mission in Plantation Bay is to use the power of technology to build stronger and safer neighborhoods. In the 1950s, neighbors often caught up on the news over the backyard fence. The Internet has replaced the backyard fence, and Nextdoor.com is one way neighborhood news is shared. Plantation Bay is one of thousands of neighborhoods nationwide that have discovered a communication method that is fun and safe. “I read an article about nextdoor.com,” Martha Richards the moderator said. “It’s a means of discussing local events and concerns. As we were getting accustomed to what was available to us, we discovered more that would be beneficial to us.” Trick-or-treating on Halloween benefited by the new program. A map of the streets was posted on the site, and neighbors who would be giving out candy could sign up. When they signed up, an icon with a piece of candy corn marked their location. No more bothering neighbors who weren’t participating; and those who did participate could map a streamlined route. Participants use their real names so you know who you are “talking” to. “There is a general page to post comments,” Richards said. “You are able to mute people.” The ability to mute select individuals was a plus for Cheryl Daniels. “I like being able to click and mute people,” she said. Richards moderates the pages updating and making separate private pages
when necessary. When the general page was getting bogged down in passionate political talk she started another page for those groups. “It’s a huge advantage to a community this side,” Richards said. The social site is growing to fit the Plantation Bay residents’ needs. If your dog gets out, you can put up a description and photo and have everyone on the site keeping an eye out for him. “You must live in Plantation Bay,” Richards said. “You can send an email to your neighbor and suggest they join. Everyone has the opportunity to invite, but you must use your real name.” The site also features a specialty section called “Granny’s Attic.” This site has just about anything you might need. Grandkids visiting? Go to Granny’s Attic and see if someone has a stroller or crib you can borrow. Private groups can be started with the help of the moderator, just apply and ask to join. “Overall it’s been really positive,” Richards said. Snowbirds find Network.com a great way to stay in touch when they are away from Plantation Bay. The site can be used to sell something or get the community involved in a community project. “You put something on Nextdoor.com and it works,” Richards said. THE OBSERVER REAL ESTATE
Elizabeth H. Kargar Featured Listing
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A New Home for the Holidays?
16
PLANTATION BAY OBSERVER
NOVEMBER 2014
A New Home for the Holidays? $10,000 Buyer Incentive*
THE BELAIRE
THE HERNANDO
$396,860
$342,090
$10,000 Buyer Incentive*
840 Westlake Drive 3 Bed / 2 Bath 2 Car Garage
612 Aldenham Lane 3 Bed / 2.5 Bath
THE BELAIRE 2 Car Garage
THE HERNANDO
$396,860 2,335 sqft
840 Westlake Drive 3 Bed / 2 Bath 2 Car Garage
READY SOON
MOVE-IN READY
$512,350
READY SOON
MOVE-IN READY
THE
THE WAKULLA 4 Bed / 3 Bath
4 Bedroom / 3 Bath ST. AUGUSTINE 2 Car + Golf Cart Gar. $512,350 2,804 sq ft
$349,996 3 Car Garage MOVE-IN READY
READY SOON
4 Bedroom / 3 Bath 2 Car + Golf Cart Gar.
THE AMEILA 2,804 sq ft
$325,955
MOVE-IN READY
READY SOON
655 Elk River Drive
2,750 sqft
4 Bed / 3 Bath 3 Car Garage 2,750 sqft THE
OCALA
$277,790
661 Elk River Drive THE OCALA
608 Aldenham Lane
THE AMEILA
$277,790 3 Bedroom / 2 Bath
3 Bed$325,955 / 2 Bath 6083Aldenham Lane Car Garage
661 2Elk River Drive Car Garage
1,762 sq/ 2ftBath BEING BUILT 32 Bedroom Car Garage
3 Bed /sqft 2 Bath 2,090 3 Car Garage MOVE-IN READY 2,090 sqft
THE WAKULLA
2,498 sqft $349,996
655 Elk River Drive
704 Woodbridge Drive
704 Woodbridge Drive
2,498 sqft
612 Aldenham Lane 3 Bed / 2.5 Bath 2 Car Garage
THE
2,335 sqft ST. AUGUSTINE
$342,090
Resident Rewards
MOVE-IN READY
BEING BUILT
1,762 sq ft
Resident Rewards
Refer friends and family who purchase a new ICI Home by December 31, 2014 and receive:
A FREE Fitness Membership year for Details Refer friends and family who purchase afor newone ICI Home by December 31,Call 2014386.437.4164 and receive: A FREE Fitness Membership for one year for Details Call 386.437.4164
*$10,000 Buyer Incentive to be used towards options and closing fees on select inventory homes. Prices and offer subject to change without notice. Rules and restiriction apply. See a Sales Associate for details. No other discount apply. **All Referrals must be registered by the homeowner in person at the Plantation Bay Sales Office in order *$10,000 Buyer Incentive to be used towards options and closing select inventory and offer subject to change without notice. Rules to receive reward. Resident Rewards program expires 12/31/14. Rulesfees andonrestriction apply.homes. SubjectPrices to change without notice. No other discounts apply.and restiriction apply. See a Sales Associate for details. No other discount apply. **All Referrals must be registered by the homeowner in person at the Plantation Bay Sales Office in order to receive reward. Resident Rewards program expires 12/31/14. Rules and restriction apply. Subject to change without notice. No other discounts apply.
ThinkingAbout About Thinking SellingYour YourHome? Home? Selling • • • • • • •
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Venture Development Realty, Inc. (VDR) has sold the majority Realty,Bay. Inc. Not (VDR) soldsell thehomes, majority ofVenture existingDevelopment homes in Plantation onlyhas do we of existing homes in overall Plantation Bay. Not do we. sell homes, but we sell the Plantation Bay only Experience but we sell the overall Plantation Bay Experience.
Ali H. Kargar, Broker Ali H. Kargar, Broker 386.366.0091
Onsite Property Management Office
AHKargar@VentureDevelopmentRealty.com 386.366.0091
AHKargar@VentureDevelopmentRealty.com
H
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Nancy Cushing, Realtor 386.299.8777 Nancy Cushing, Realtor
NCushing@VentureDevelopmentRealty.com
386.299.8777
ICI Select is an on-site property management firm located here in Plantation Bay. We are a professionally managed company that provides friendly serviceis to homeowners and tenants. Afirm nicelocated selection ICI Select an our on-site property management hereofintownhomes, Plantation condominiums and single family homes are available for lease. friendly Bay. We are a professionally managed company that provides
NCushing@VentureDevelopmentRealty.com
Carol Paquette, Realtor 386.846.1759
CPaquette@VentureDevelopmentRealty.com Carol Paquette, Realtor
service to our homeowners and tenants. A nice selection of townhomes, condominiums and single family homes are available for lease.
386.846.1759
CPaquette@VentureDevelopmentRealty.com Office: 386.437.6840 100 PLANTATION BAY DRIVE ORMOND BEACH, FL 32174
Call Nancy Stanfield @ 386-437-1748 NStanfield@ICISelect.com
NStanfield@ICISelect.com
154797
Call Nancy Stanfield @ 386-437-1748
Office: 386.437.6840 100 PLANTATION BAY DRIVE ORMOND BEACH, FL 32174